There’s something incredibly comforting about a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. With its rich, creamy texture and delicate, sweet flavor, vanilla ice cream is the ultimate dessert staple- perfect on its own, or as the finishing touch to pies, cakes, and just about anything warm from the oven.
What makes a great vanilla ice cream isn’t just the flavor- it’s the quality of ingredients. Real vanilla bean or pure vanilla extract gives it that signature floral aroma and warm depth that artificial flavorings just can’t match. Whether you’re making it at home or choosing a store-bought version, look for brands or recipes that use whole milk, heavy cream, egg yolks, and real vanilla. These simple components create a custard base that churns into the soft, luscious texture everyone loves.
One of the best things about this ice cream is its versatility. It’s the ideal partner for warm desserts like brownies, fruit crisps, and molten chocolate cakes. It turns a basic cup of coffee into an affogato, adds richness to milkshakes, and becomes the perfect foundation for sundaes, floats, or banana splits.
Homemade ice cream can also be customized easily. Add a swirl of peanut butter, crushed cookies, caramel ribbons, or even a splash of bourbon for a more grown-up twist. And for those who like texture, toss in toasted nuts or chocolate chips right at the end of churning.
Even with all the exotic and trendy flavors available today, vanilla ice cream remains a timeless classic—a flavor that speaks to nostalgia, simplicity, and pure indulgence. It’s not boring—it’s beautifully basic, allowing every other element on your plate to shine.
So whether you enjoy it in a cone on a summer day, sandwiched between cookies, or as the star of your favorite sundae, vanilla ice cream is proof that sometimes the simplest things really are the best.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream chilled
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract pure
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix well.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer the ice cream to a lidded container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
Yum! Perfect for hot days. I added chocolate chips to mine, and it was AMAZING!
Why do you need salt in ice cream? Seems weird to me. Didn’t really taste the difference. I’ll stick to store bought!
I made this with my grandma and it was fun! We didn’t have an ice cream maker, so we just froze it without churning. Still tasted good 🙂
Not bad, but I prefer the store-bought version. It just works better for the lazy people like me.
Homemade is so much better! You just gotta put in a little effort. Store-bought is just full of chemicals!
I messed up and used unsweetened almond milk. It was an interesting experiment, let’s just say that…
Unsweetened? That sounds… odd. I wouldn’t risk it, maybe just stick to what the recipe says next time.
I did that once, too! Almond milk just isn’t creamy enough for ice cream. But hey, at least you tried something new! 😄
This is the best vanilla ice cream recipe I’ve ever tried! It came out super creamy and delicious. My kids loved it!
LOL, I thought this was a cake recipe. Ice cream is too much work for me.
I get it! Making ice cream seems daunting, but it’s super fun! You should give it a try sometime. 😄
Homemade ice cream? Sign me up! This is so easy. I’m making this again for the family reunion.
seriously? just milk and cream with sugar? ice cream is not that easy.
Just made it. It’s too soft! Did I do something wrong?
Soft? More like liquid! Did you even churn it? Ice cream should be solid.
Maybe you didn’t freeze it long enough? I typically leave mine for a day just to be safe.
This recipe is amazing! My kids loved it. Thanks!
Who needs store-bought? This is the best! So simple and tasted like heaven!
Too much cream, not enough flavor. Needs chocolate or something.
vanilla ice cream sux. Who cares about a plain flavor? I like fancier stuff like cookie dough or mint chocolate 🙄.
This ice cream is sooo good! I never knew making it could be this easy. My family loved it!
I tried this recipe but it turned out like a block of ice 😩. What did I do wrong?
So good!!! Tastes just like my mom’s ice cream! Going to make this every week!
I accidentally used almond milk instead. Still turned out good! 🍦
Glad to hear it still turned out good! Almond milk sounds like a fun twist!
I made it and left it out too long before refreezing it. Now I’m not sure if it’s salvageable. Help? 😩
Is it really that simple? I thought making ice cream was more complicated.
Yep, it’s super easy! I was surprised too, but wow, homemade ice cream is the best!
Delish! I made it without an ice cream maker and just whipped it by hand. Still turned out great!
I don’t really get why it needs so much sugar. Can’t you just use less?
I had to change a few things, like using almond milk. It was okay but not as creamy. 🤷♀️
Almond milk?? That ain’t gonna be creamy! You really should’ve stuck to whole milk for the real deal. 🙁
Hmm, I wonder if you could use coconut milk instead? Anyone tried it?
I tried this without an ice cream maker and it didn’t work. 😩
I tried it but it wasn’t sweet enough for my taste. I think it needs more sugar. 🤔
I think you’re right! A bit more sugar could make it perfect. I usually add a bit more when I make it! 😊
All the ingredients are perfect! Vanilla ice cream forever!!!
I’m not a cook but this seems too easy to be true. Does it really work? 🤔
I dunno, it was OK but too sweet for my taste. Maybe cut down the sugar?
I don’t have an ice cream maker. Can I just freeze it in a bowl?
Yeah, you can freeze it in a bowl! Just stir it every 30 minutes or so to keep it creamy. Works for me!
OMG I can’t believe how easy it was! I’m never buying ice cream again! 🍦
Ugh, I forgot to chill my bowl! Now I have to wait longer! 😒 How do I fix it?
Why do you need a cold bowl anyway? Just mix it! 😜
You can try putting the bowl in the freezer for a little while! Should help it chill faster. Good luck! 😊
Doesn’t taste like real ice cream! I’ve had better from the store. 🤷♂️
Honestly, I prefer the store stuff too. But maybe you’re just not a fan of vanilla? 🤷♀️
I think it depends on how you make it! I love homemade ice cream and it’s way better than store-bought, maybe give it another try?
It was okay, but kinda sweet for my taste. I think less sugar would be better.
I totally agree! I found it a bit too sweet too. Maybe I’ll try reducing the sugar next time.
Made this with my kids and they loved it! Fun project and yummy dessert!
Made this last night, and it’s gone already! Even my picky kid loved it!
Vanilla? Boring! Where’s the chocolate? Ice cream needs chocolate!
Yum yum! Can’t believe I made my own ice cream! Can’t wait to try different flavors!
That’s awesome! Homemade ice cream is the best! What flavor are you thinking of trying next?
I dunno. Can this really be called ice cream without eggs? Seems off.
Actually, you don’t need eggs for ice cream! Many recipes are egg-free and still delicious. This one sounds great.
I thought ice cream had to have eggs too. Guess I’m out of touch! But I might try this if it’s good.
This is the best recipe I’ve ever tried! My family loved it!
I’m so glad to hear that! Ice cream really is a family favorite. Did you add any toppings?
Best? Really? Seems kinda basic to me… I mean, just cream and sugar right? But whatever floats your boat.
This was the best ice cream I’ve ever made! So creamy and rich. Absolutely loved it!
This is the best vanilla ice cream I’ve ever made! So creamy and delicious! 😋
So easy! I added some chocolate chips to it and it turned out amazing!
I used coconut milk instead, turned out great! Just a bit different flavor. 🌴
It was ok, but kinda too sweet for my taste. Next time I’ll reduce the sugar.
This is the best vanilla ice cream recipe I’ve ever tried! So creamy and delicious! 🍦
Not sure about this… Doesn’t seem like there are enough flavors for vanilla ice cream. 🤔
I tried this and it turned out great! But I added some chocolate chips, and it was even better! 😋
I accidentally used almond extract instead of vanilla. Still tasted great!
Yummy! 🍦
Absolutely love it, can’t wait to try! 😍
Tastes great but I added chocolate chips and it was even better! Just a tip!
Isn’t this just glorified whipped cream? I don’t get the hype.
I dunno, seems kinda basic. Where’s the fun in plain vanilla? 😕
But basic is good, ya know? Some people just love the pure taste of vanilla!
Vanilla is classic! You can always add toppings or mix-ins to jazz it up. 🍦